I think Kristina is right on you can really rest on turns and in LCM there's a lot more swimming between turns ...
Resting on turns may make you feel better, but it doesn't necessarily enhance your overall performance.
Re: more swimming between turns... That is my point. The advantage in short course goes to the faster under water swimmer, while the advantage in long course goes to the faster "stroke swimmer".
It is simple mathematics, in my opinion. Hypothetically, if 2 swimmers are equal in terms of their ability "above the water", then the person who can swim faster under water will win. Furthermore, that advantage is increased if you can swim longer under water which you are allowed to do in a short course event. The contrary is true as well.
I am sure that Michael had other goals that he wished to pursue (just threw that out there for people to chew on), but IM is one of his signature events and he had a lot more to lose if he lost that event vs. events that hold lower expectations for him. I would have been interested to see the head to head in short course, though, especially after seeing how great the long course duel was. Nevertheless, your point about Michael taking on challenges is 100% on the money.
I think Kristina is right on you can really rest on turns and in LCM there's a lot more swimming between turns ...
Resting on turns may make you feel better, but it doesn't necessarily enhance your overall performance.
Re: more swimming between turns... That is my point. The advantage in short course goes to the faster under water swimmer, while the advantage in long course goes to the faster "stroke swimmer".
It is simple mathematics, in my opinion. Hypothetically, if 2 swimmers are equal in terms of their ability "above the water", then the person who can swim faster under water will win. Furthermore, that advantage is increased if you can swim longer under water which you are allowed to do in a short course event. The contrary is true as well.
I am sure that Michael had other goals that he wished to pursue (just threw that out there for people to chew on), but IM is one of his signature events and he had a lot more to lose if he lost that event vs. events that hold lower expectations for him. I would have been interested to see the head to head in short course, though, especially after seeing how great the long course duel was. Nevertheless, your point about Michael taking on challenges is 100% on the money.
